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| Malaysian Mission Schools News Archive New Straits Times, December 23, 2002 IT was with deep pride that I, as an old Michaelian, joined other old boys of La Sallian schools in Malaysia to celebrate the 150th year of La Sallian education. At a dinner organised by the Malaysian Federation of La Sallian Associations on Dec 13, La Sallian brothers from across the world congregated in Kuala Lumpur to commemorate the 150th anniversary of La Salle Schools. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, a former St John's Institution student, who spoke as a guest of honour, paid tribute to the La Sallian schools for their immense contribution to education in Malaysia. As an old Michaelian, I am a product of La Sallian education and have benefited from the commitment and tireless efforts of the La Sallian brothers during the formative years of my life. Much of what I have acquired in terms of character building, discipline, hard work, and ethics was due to my education at Ipoh's St Michael's Institution. It all started in 1852, when six De La Salle brothers sailed on the ship La Julie from France to Singapore. Three stayed in Singapore and three travelled to Penang to take over St Xavier's. Their mission saw the formation of many La Sallian schools in Malaysia. These schools remain a testimony of the La Sallian ethos that education is for everyone, regardless of race, wealth, status and religion. These schools managed to hold true to the distinctive brand of La Sallian tradition, a tradition that stands for high academic standards, excellent moral tone, discipline, and an environment where students of all races and religions mixed freely. It is these brothers, among others, who brought the English language to our forefathers, a gift that we now recognise as the key to knowledge and international competitiveness. The dedication of the brothers and teachers to their calling and students are legendary. The exemplary life of the brothers serves as models for the students. We have now reached the cross-roads in the life of La Sallian education. Those of us who have experienced and are privileged to witness the ethos and tradition instilled in us by the dedication of the La Sallian brothers and teachers have a responsibility to pass on and uphold this tradition. Najib said in his speech during the 150th anniversary celebration that the Government was taking stock of the school system with a view to reducing the trend of students of various races not mixing as freely as they should. We and the Government must reach out and develop a new environment in education where the La Sallian schools can continue to flourish and support the Government in breaking the unhealthy trend that is compartmentalising students into races and creed. A school is not stones and bricks, rather it is the dedication of its teachers, its tradition and the respect and love it commands from its alumni. It is this tradition that should be the uniting force that joins all its students in breaking through the barriers of race and religion. All that is vile reject, |
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